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Denied

The veteran's lumbosacral strain is productive of severe functional impairment, but the back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not involve pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome or ankylosis.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows decreased range of motion in all directions, including severe limitation of forward flexion, and osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine. The veteran's disability is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5295 for lumbosacral strain with limitation of motion, which warrants a maximum evaluation of 40 percent.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
January 11, 2000
Citation
0000839

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0000839.

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